Roof Preference
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From: Surprise Arizona
Roof Preference
Looking to order my first ever within the next week and am trying to decide what roof option might be best here in Arizona. I'm leaning toward the transparent panel but was wondering what some of the advantages are with the dual panel and some of the others available. Appearance wise I like the full transparent but was wondering how much light/heat it lets in.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 316
From: Centerville Ohio
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
I really like the transparent top. If you find it allows too much greenhouse effect, you can always get one of the removable roof headliners sold by one of the forum vendors. I'd imagine this would be needed in Arizona!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 295
Likes: 41
From: Central Texas
I've got the dual roof, which of course is the best of both worlds. I like the transparent roof a lot, feels much more open and more headroom in a sort of cramped cockpit. However, living in Texas, the sun does beat through it--not really much of a problem when driving, but if you park outside ever...prepare to be broiled. So I put on the solid top in June, and figure I'll put the transparent one on sometime around October. Sort of like Daylight Savings Time, although I guess that doesn't work in Arizona!
I also like the looks of both, and doing the swap kind of makes me feel like I just got a new car.
I also like the looks of both, and doing the swap kind of makes me feel like I just got a new car.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,940
Likes: 43
From: shavertown Pa.
I ordered the painted top, I don't like transparent tops they are noisy and make the car very hot inside.
If you get the painted top you can always buy a transparent top later on but if you buy just the transparent top it's very hard to buy a painted top the color of your choice later on.
I lucked out on a 94 I picked up, I was able to pick up a top for a $100 at Carlisle but getting the right color top for that price was all luck.
If you get the painted top you can always buy a transparent top later on but if you buy just the transparent top it's very hard to buy a painted top the color of your choice later on.
I lucked out on a 94 I picked up, I was able to pick up a top for a $100 at Carlisle but getting the right color top for that price was all luck.
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Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 39,115
Likes: 17,971
From: DFW Area TX
I had a transparent roof (dual roofs, actually) on my C5. Rarely used the transparent as the heat gain was just too much. What's the point of having a transparent roof if you have to put a liner in it to control the heat?
In cooler climates, transparent roof would be nice, not in the hotter climates.
In cooler climates, transparent roof would be nice, not in the hotter climates.
Last edited by Zymurgy; Aug 9, 2014 at 02:04 PM. Reason: heat, not hear
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 6
I had a transparent roof (dual roofs, actually) on my C5. Rarely used the transparent as the heat gain was just too much. What's the point of having a transparent roof if you have to put a liner in it to control the hear?
In cooler climates, transparent roof would be nice, not in the hotter climates.
In cooler climates, transparent roof would be nice, not in the hotter climates.
Getting excited,traded in 6 speed CTS V
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 39,115
Likes: 17,971
From: DFW Area TX
The transparent roof is not carbon. It is polycarbonate (I think that's the right plastic). Both the painted and the visible carbon fiber roofs are carbon fiber.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 109
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,195
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From: Bonita Springs Florida
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 116
From: No Longer in CA! NV
I had a transparent roof (dual roofs, actually) on my C5. Rarely used the transparent as the heat gain was just too much. What's the point of having a transparent roof if you have to put a liner in it to control the hear?
In cooler climates, transparent roof would be nice, not in the hotter climates.
In cooler climates, transparent roof would be nice, not in the hotter climates.
Love the view!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 920
Likes: 81
From: Frankfort Kentucky
When we bought ours from the dealer showroom floor it came with the 2 roof package. We sold the transparent one to a forum member. If you like it, it is worth the money, but for us it was a pain to fool with two roofs. We like the painted carbon fiber roof as it suits our needs perfectly, we take it out most of the time as we like the looks of the car with it removed and there is not as much wind noise and buffeting as the convertible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,887
Likes: 1,555
From: Calgary Alberta
I've always wondered about that logic.